It has always been my intention that participants on the rural social scheme should retain their entitlement to medical cards and other secondary benefits and, indeed, have the same entitlements as community employment workers. My Department has made a case to the chief executive officers group of the health boards regarding medical cards and they have accepted, in principle, that payments under the scheme will be treated the same as payments to those on community employment. Confirmation of this from the Department of Health and Children is expected soon.
The only other case that has arisen in terms of secondary benefits relates to the fuel allowance. Those on the rural social scheme who claim fuel allowance receive it is as part of their normal weekly payment under the scheme. The Christmas bonus will also be paid to participants on the rural social scheme.